Become a Train Driver with Avanti West Coast

I joined the railway over 3 years ago and driving a train was not something I’d previously thought about. But, during my apprenticeship course with the business, we were introduced to different roles and I thought – I quite fancy that! I love driving cars, so why not try a train. There was also the added bonus of a great salary; it can really change you and your family’s life. There’s a lot of responsibility being a Train Driver and I was excited by that challenge. Initially, I didn’t think I’d pass the recruitment process, but as soon as I had a chance I gave it a go and was successful.

Firstly, you need to be sure you can work shifts and you’re happy in your own company. It may seem daunting at first with everything to learn, but every person from my trainers, instructors, mentors, driver managers and fellow drivers have been nothing but supportive and are there to help get you through the course. I’ve had nothing but a positive experience so far – so go for it! There are points you think How am I going to learn all of this? But you do, and if you’re struggling you can ask anyone for help.

I’m used to working shifts, so enjoy the freedom it gives you. I’m also fortunate to have a very supportive family who help with childcare and allow me to do this job. Each week is different and it’s good fun having days off during the week. There are times when you have to go to bed at a certain time, if you’re up early, to make sure you are well rested. That can be tough at certain times of the year. But, you eventually find your own routine which works and it doesn’t take long to adjust.

It was quite hard going back into the classroom for 16 weeks, learning all about the train and what to do when things go wrong. Just training your brain to take in lots of information was difficult, but in time it started to stick. By taking each day as it comes, I find it easier to digest all of the information – and there’s a lot! So try to not get too overwhelmed and break it into chunks. As time goes on, you realise you can learn it all and it’s amazing how much you can retain. The 3am starts can be tough at first, but they’re not every day and it’s all about getting into a good routine to make sure you get enough rest between shifts.

The training course can be intense at times. There’s a lot to learn in the first 16 weeks and you have regular assessments, reviews, workbooks and logbooks to keep on top of. It seems like a lot, but the trainers are fantastic. They know so much and guide you through every step. If you don’t understand something, they’ll help in every possible way until you do. Your fellow colleagues on the course are also a great support; revision sessions before assessments are a must as anything you might need clarifying can be discussed and this has always helped me a lot. Make sure to keep on top of your workbooks as they’re also a great revision guide for reviews and assessments. Once you complete the 16-week course, you then start the practical side of learning how to drive a train. The instructors and mentors are brilliant, they talk you through the process of moving the train and as time goes on, they trust you to do things on your own. It not only builds your confidence, but it also means they’re confident in your ability. So, yes – the training is intense but also great fun. Especially when you do your first journey and you think I just drove that train!

The two main requirements for the role are that applicants are 20 ½ years old at the point of applying and they live within 1 hour of a depot.

The Occupational Psychology Centre (OPC) will undertake a check of distance from the depot and also check in case individuals have previously sat the assessments and are eligible to apply. For the trainee driver process, individuals have 2-lifetime attempts. If they fail any stage more than twice, they are not able to reapply. These lifetime attempts extend to all attempts across any train operator. The only exception is that Avanti and several other train operators use enhanced standards on assessments whereas others operate what is called 'national standard', which is the minimum set by the Rail Standards Board. Individuals can sometimes pass to the national standard but not Avanti Standard. On these occasions, if they pass to National Standard but not Avanti, they use up a lifetime attempt for Avanti but not others that operate national standard.

On the questionnaire, OPC look at interest in the role and why individuals are looking to be a train driver. Following the questionnaire, if successful, individuals will be invited to complete the below online assessments that look at skills required to be a successful train driver:

• Visual Search Exercise – Tests for the following competencies: Focus on visual cues, multitasking, maintaining concentration, and ability to remain situationally aware
• Magnificent 7 Situational Judgement Test (M7-SJT) – Tests for the following competencies: Conscientious, Humility, Motivated, Pride, Responsible, Risk Focus, Supportive

• Group Bourdon
• Test of Everyday Attention for Occupational Assessment (Tea‐Occ)
• Trainability for Rules & Procedures Test (TRP 1 & 2)

• Vienna tests focus on vigilance and reaction
• Competency Based Interview (CBI)

This stage is the final stage in the process and hosted by Avanti West Coast. This is an interview with the driver management team and if successful at this stage individuals will enter the talent bank